the mommy avenger

When I was a young girl, I would spend so much time with my grandma at her mountain cabin each summer. It was a wonderful escape from the city to be able to go to the mountains. The delicate sound of wind chimes clattered as the cool mountain breeze meandered through the woods and the glimmer of sunshine reflecting on the river just feet from the cabin created the perfect backdrop for relaxing and adventuring all at once.

In our downtime, my grandma loved to play games. She taught me card games such as Solitaire and War. Then she showed me Rummikub as a stepping stone for what she had planned next for me. Mahjong. I’d never heard of it before, but I remember the day she told me I was ready to learn how to play. I was seven. She pulled out her beautiful case full of ivory tiles and began to set up the game for us to play. I was totally enthralled with each and every tile, especially the flowers, the winds and the dragons. I knew what she was showing me was special and from that day forward, every free minute with her, I wanted to play the game.

The click-clack of the tiles, the camaraderie, and the friendly competition were all part of the magic. Crafting the perfect hand, hearing the calls of bams, cracks, dots as each tile was discarded from players, anxiously awaiting the draw of much needed tiles to be able to proclaim, Mahjong!

I spent years playing the game with her until I was in my early twenties. She would tell me how she wanted to take me to Las Vegas to play there in competitions. I was a good player and an extremely lucky one at that.

Much time has passed and my grandma is no longer with us, but those fond memories are sealed in my mind forever. I loved that game so much, but never had the opportunity to play the game until this past month.

I recently had the pleasure of trying out an American Mahjong Set, the Mojave, from Yellow Mountain Imports and it was a delightful trip down memory lane. Now, with this beautifully crafted set, I can create those same cherished memories with my own children.

The Mojave set is a true gem. The first thing that struck me was the quality of the materials. The tiles are made from scratch-resistant melamine, ensuring durability and a pleasing weight. This is essential for the tactile experience that makes mahjong so enjoyable. Each tile is crisply engraved, making them easy to read and visually appealing. The vibrant colors and classic design of the tiles add a touch of elegance to the game, reminiscent of the set my grandmother taught me to play on.

One of the standout features of this set is the inclusion of everything you need to play American mahjong. It comes with 166 tiles, including jokers and flowers, along with wooden racks, money chips, dice, and a wind indicator. The attention to detail is remarkable, and the set even includes a nylon case for easy storage and transport. This makes it perfect for family game nights or even for taking to gatherings with friends.

Playing with this set brought back a flood of memories from my childhood. I remember sitting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, the sun streaming in through the windows, as we laughed and played for hours. She would patiently explain the rules and strategies, her hands deftly shuffling the tiles. Those moments were not just about the game; they were about bonding, learning, and enjoying each other’s company. Now, as I play with my own kids, I see their faces light up with the same excitement and curiosity I once had. It’s heartwarming to pass down this tradition and watch them develop their own love for the game.

I was worried about remembering how to play the game, as it is something I learned when I was so young. So much time had elapsed since I had last played and I was nervous about trying to remember the rules to teach my family. When the set arrived and I started looking over everything, memories came back to me, but certainly not all the specific rules. Not to worry, though, because Yellow Mountain is a great resource for learning to play. It was so easy to refresh my memory and teach my family. In fact, we were playing like pros in no time.

Mahjong is more than just a game; it’s a bridge between generations. It offers a way to connect with family, teach valuable skills, and create lasting memories. My kids are already showing a keen interest, and I love seeing them strategize and celebrate their wins. This set has truly become a new family favorite, just as it was for me growing up.

The Mojave American Mahjong Set from Yellow Mountain Imports is a wonderful investment for anyone looking to enjoy this classic game. Its quality, completeness, and beautiful design make it a joy to use. Whether you are introducing mahjong to a new generation or rekindling your own fond memories, this set is sure to provide countless hours of fun and bonding. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to add a touch of tradition and excitement to their family game nights​. I’m thrilled to be able to play it again and know my grandma would be so happy that a new generation is carrying on the tradition.

You can learn more about Mahjong, both American and Chinese, as well as find a treasure trove of other games at Yellow Mountain Imports.

_{*product was received to facilitate a feature, all opinions are my own*}